Somalia has banned Taiwanese travelers from entry, citing the ‘one China’ policy. This decision follows increased diplomatic ties between Taiwan and Somaliland. Taiwan has condemned the move, calling for its reversal due to safety concerns for Taiwanese nationals. The ban reflects ongoing geopolitical tensions, complicated further by China’s claims over Taiwan.
In a recent move, Somalia has officially banned Taiwanese travelers from entering or transiting through its territory, as confirmed by Taiwan’s foreign ministry. This decision took effect on Wednesday, following a directive from Somali aviation authorities issued last week. The travel ban is a significant development in the increasing tensions surrounding Taiwan’s international status, particularly as it establishes ties with Somaliland, a self-declared state that broke away from Somalia 34 years ago but remains largely unrecognized globally.
In 2020, both Somaliland and Taiwan made notable strides in diplomacy by setting up embassies in each other’s capitals, which angered both China and Somalia. The justification given by Somalia’s civil aviation authority cites the use of Taiwanese passports as invalid for entry or transit effective April 30. Taiwan’s foreign ministry responded with a strong protest against what it termed as Somalia’s actions instigated by China, demanding an immediate revocation of the ban, as it limits the travel freedoms and safety of Taiwanese citizens.
Taiwan condemned the ban, arguing that it stems from a misinterpretation of UN Resolution 2758, which supposedly links it to the controversial ‘one China’ policy. In light of the ban, Taiwanese authorities are cautioning citizens against traveling to Somalia or Somaliland until the matter is resolved, reflecting increasing concerns regarding their safety abroad. While the Taiwanese government strongly criticizes the move, there has been no response from either Somaliland or Somalia regarding their stance on this ban.
Importantly, Taiwan operates under a separate constitution and conducts regular multiparty elections, asserting its independent governance. Conversely, China maintains its claim over Taiwan, insisting that it is a part of its territory. This assertion is reinforced by China’s diplomatic efforts, which have led to Taiwan being officially recognized by only a handful of countries.
Somaliland, which declared independence from Somalia in 1991 following a dictatorship under General Mohamed Siad Barre, is not recognized by any other sovereign nations. While Somaliland holds regular elections, much of Somalia is under the influence of the militant group al-Shabab, linked to al-Qaeda. Somalia’s government views Somaliland as a part of its territory and recently condemned Ethiopia for engaging in a lease deal with Somaliland authorities regarding the usage of one of its ports.
The developments reflect ongoing geopolitical tensions in the region and illustrate the complex relationships between Taiwan, Somalia, and Somaliland, exacerbated by external pressures from China.
Somalia’s recent ban on travelers with Taiwanese passports marks a significant escalation in diplomatic tensions surrounding Taiwan’s status. This move has drawn widespread condemnation from Taiwan, which argues the ban undermines the travel rights of its citizens. With both Somalia and Somaliland unresponsive to the situation, Taiwan is urging caution for its travelers as the implications of the ban could have wide-reaching effects on regional diplomacy, especially given China’s pressure on international recognition.
Original Source: www.bbc.com
